The sunshine state is known for warm weather, theme parks, and diverse culture. However, it’s also a very dangerous place for walkers and cyclists.
Florida residents may already know this, but a recent study shows that the state is one of the deadliest for pedestrians. Shockingly, the pedestrian deaths continued even during the pandemic when fewer cars were on the roads.
Highlights of the Study
The study “Dangerous by Design” was conducted by Smart Growth America and reviewed pedestrian accidents from 2016 to 2020. The report shows that in 2020, roughly 6,500 pedestrians were struck and killed by drivers. That equates to 18 people killed per day! That figure increased by 4.5% from 2019 and a shocking 62% from 2009. The study looked at pedestrian deaths across the country and considered many factors.
The authors of the study claim pedestrian deaths are an epidemic that will continue because of how poorly roads are designed. For 2021, the total number of pedestrians killed by motorists was 7,485.
At Risk Populations
Sadly, older Americans and low-income pedestrians who are forced to walk or do not have access to public transportation were killed much more often than other demographics. Additionally, Native Americans and African Americans were killed more often in pedestrian accidents than other nationalities.
The report also noted that low-income people had less access to parks and other community locations with safe sidewalks, marked crosswalks, and streets designed for slower speeds.
Most Dangerous Locations
Florida ranked the second highest across the nation for pedestrian fatalities. Specifically, the most dangerous areas with the highest number of deaths were Daytona Beach, North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Palm Bay, Orlando-Kissimmee, Tampa/Saint Petersburg, and Jacksonville. During 2016 and 2020, 954 people were killed in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Pompano Beach. Those cities were cited as the worst in Florida.
Other hazardous locations in other parts of the country include Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Memphis, Tennessee.
Future Predictions
Unfortunately, the study predicted a grim future with a steady increase in pedestrian-related accidents because most metropolitan areas design roadways to speed traffic along as quickly as possible and do not account for walker and biker safety.
Where to Turn for Help
If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, contact Baron, Herskowitz, and Cohen. Our law firm specializes in personal injury and unlawful death cases, and we care about your safety and wellbeing. We want to help.
